Permits for Music, Film, Creative Spaces & Events

Creative Space Assistance

• Austin Cultural Trust - Supports acquisition and preservation of arts, cultural, and music spaces within Austin.
• Creative Space Assistance Program - Funding support for permitting requirements for creative organizations facing temporary or permanent displacement.
• Development Services Department:
  • Codes, Resources, Online Tools
  • Development Process Team - Supports homeowners and small business owners.
  • Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) - Apply for building permits, schedule inspections, pay for permits, and assign permits.
  • Development Tracker - Sign up for permit alerts.
  • Land Status Determination Wizard - Determine land status for properties.
  • Property Profile - Search and download property information, view aerial images or street views, and run reports.
• Heritage Tourism Division - Provides funding for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic buildings, sites, and districts.

Film Production in Austin

• Getting Started
• City Permits - Determine if a permit is required for your production.
• City Contacts - Find City of Austin filming contacts.
• Film Production in Austin - Resources - Find helpful local and state resources.

Outdoor Amplified Sound for Music

• Outdoor Amplified Sound - For commercial establishments that use sound equipment outdoors. 
• Noise and Amplified Sound Enforcement - Rules, activities, and violations.
• Residential Neighborhoods & Outdoor Amplified Sound – Outdoor Music Venue Permits cannot be issued for the use of sound equipment located within 100 feet of property zoned and used as "residential". Amplified sound without a permit is only allowed in residential areas 10am to 10pm CST and up to 75 decibels.
• Noise Ordinance - Chapter 9-2: Noise and Amplified Sound.

Special Event Permit

• Austin Center for Events (ACE) - Oversees permitting and planning for special events and festivals.
• Fiscal Year 2023 Austin Center for Events Fee Schedule - New fee costs starting October 1, 2022.
• Austin Center for Events Event Planning Guide - Special Event Permit and planning information.
• Special Events Updates - Community health updates.

State of Texas Regulations and Tax Requirements for Venues/Special Events

Texas Music Office Special Events Guide - Learn about the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission's regulations, summary of taxes, and license fees.

Street Performing/Busking

Street performing (a.k.a. "busking") is legal in Austin and does not require a permit unless you are performing in a City park. Please obey the following City Code requirements and best practices:

• Acoustic performances only, with sound at 85 decibels or under - No amplification allowed.
• Don’t block sidewalks.
• Noise or music cannot be audible to a nearby business or residence after 10:30 PM CST.
• Always cooperate with Austin Police requests.
• Safety first! Make sure you’re performing where people can safely gather without danger of stepping into a roadway.

Performing Artists in the Parks Permits – Performing artists may entertain in the parks if they are registered with and approved by the Parks and Recreation Department.

• The permit fee for performing artists is $10 per day.
• Permits may be purchased in two-week increments.
• Contact 512-974-6797 for information.